Patents by Inventor Dirk Hammerschmidt

Dirk Hammerschmidt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • LOW NOISE ZERO CROSSING DETECTION FOR INDIRECT TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
    Publication number: 20160252543
    Abstract: A magnetic speed sensor may comprise a digital component configured to estimate a zero crossing event based on a plurality of sensor signal samples. The digital component may output, to a control unit, a speed signal that is based on the estimated zero crossing event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Dirk HAMMERSCHMIDT, Muhammad ADNAN
  • SENSOR SELF-DIAGNOSTICS USING MULTIPLE SIGNAL PATHS
    Publication number: 20160231371
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for sensor self-diagnostics using multiple signal paths. In an embodiment, the sensors are magnetic field sensors, and the systems and/or methods are configured to meet or exceed relevant safety or other industry standards, such as SIL standards. For example, a monolithic integrated circuit sensor system implemented on a single semiconductor ship can include a first sensor device having a first signal path for a first sensor signal on a semiconductor chip; and a second sensor device having a second signal path for a second sensor signal on the semiconductor chip, the second signal path distinct from the first signal path, wherein a comparison of the first signal path signal and the second signal path signal provides a sensor system self-test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Mario Motz, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Ferdinand Gastinger, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Granig
  • SENSOR NETWORK SUPPORTING SELF-CALIBRATION OF PRESSURE SENSORS
    Publication number: 20160231192
    Abstract: A pressure sensor system comprises one or more self-calibrating pressure sensors for self-calibrating sensor parameters based on a membrane deflection or a membrane displacement from an electrostatic force and a single reference pressure from an additional sensor. The additional sensor has a greater accuracy level or range than the self-calibrating sensor. Sensor parameters are derived from capacitance measurements and a single pressure measurement, which are utilized for self-calibration to one or more target values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A JOINT ERROR CORRECTION CODE FOR A COMBINED DATA FRAME COMPRISING FIRST DATA OF A FIRST DATA CHANNEL AND SECOND DATA OF A SECOND DATA CHANNEL AND SENSOR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160226525
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for providing an joint error correction code (140) for a combined data frame (254) comprising first data (112) of a first data channel and second data (122) of a second data channel comprises a first error code generator (110) configured to provide, based on a linear code, information on a first error correction code (114a, 114b) using the first data (112). The apparatus further comprises a second error code generator (120) configured to provide, based on the linear code, information on a second error correction code (124) using the second data (122). The apparatus is configured to provide the joint error correction code (140) using the information on the first error correction code (114a, 114b) and the information on the second error correction code (124).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Dirk Hammerschmidt, Friedrich Rasbornig, Wolfgang Scheibenzuber, Wolfgang Scherr, Thomas Zettler
  • SENSOR BUS SYSTEM AND UNIT WITH INTERNAL EVENT VERIFICATION
    Publication number: 20160223370
    Abstract: Internal event verification is enabled in sensor bus systems. One example sensor bus system includes a channel master component and one or more channel slave components. A first subset of the channel slave components can include sensors that sense one or more properties (e.g., acceleration) associated with an event (e.g., crash) and output sensor data based on the one or more sensed properties. A second subset of the channel slave components can include channel verification components that can receive, decode, and analyze at least a portion of the sensor data, and output event data indicating whether an event occurred based on the analyzed portion of the sensor data. The channel master component can receive and decode the sensor data and the event data, and output information to a controller, which can send a signal to initiate a response (e.g., airbag deployment) when an event is detected and verified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: David Levy, Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20160223610
    Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a sensor system comprising at least two sensor elements causing increased reliability of individual sensor signals due to increased diagnostic coverage using diverse signal paths, diverse signal representations of sensor signals, merging of individual sensor signals maintaining independence of individual sensor signals comprised in protocol representations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Dirk Hammerschmidt, Friedrich Rasbornig, Wolfgang Scheibenzuber, Wolfgang Scherr, Thomas Zettler
  • Implantable Vessel Fluid Sensor
    Publication number: 20160220125
    Abstract: An implantable vessel fluid sensor is configured to sense at least one vessel fluid parameter of a vessel. The implantable vessel fluid sensor includes a tubular body having a first end portion. The first end portion is configured to be inserted into and to form a sealed junction with an open vessel end of the vessel. The implantable vessel fluid sensor further includes a sensor unit connected to the tubular body. The sensor unit includes a sensor region configured to be in direct contact with the vessel fluid in a sealed junction state. A minimum distance between the sensor region and the first end portion is at most 10 times an outer diameter of the first end portion of the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Kamil Karlovsky, Bernhard Goller, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Horst Theuss, Carsten von Koblinski
  • SENSOR INTERFACE THAT PROVIDES A LONG PACKAGE CRC TO IMPROVE FUNCTIONAL SAFETY
    Publication number: 20160218828
    Abstract: A data transmission system comprising an Automotive Sensor Network System (ASNS) connected to a plurality of source locations via a common bus, wherein the ASNS is configured to ascertain the source from which the data-frames and first package checksum are received and based on the ascertainment of the source, appropriate decoding methods are used to calculate the ASNS location data-frame checksums and the ASNS location package checksums. A higher order redundancy check is done over a series of data-frames to detect errors in the reception caused by temporary high interference that may exist in the transmission path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Dirk Hammerschmidt, Wolfgang Scherr
  • System that obtains a switching point with the encoder in a static position
    Patent number: 9389098
    Abstract: A system including an encoder, multiple sensing elements and control logic. The encoder has a pole pitch and is configured to rotate in a direction of rotation. The multiple sensing elements are situated along the direction of rotation and span at least half the length of the pole pitch. The control logic is configured to receive signals from the multiple sensing elements based on the encoder in a static position and obtain a switching point based on the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Dirk Hammerschmidt, Udo Ausserlechner
  • Converter circuit and method for converting an input voltage to an output voltage using a white noise generator
    Patent number: 9385599
    Abstract: A converter circuit is described comprising a switch circuit configured to provide an output voltage, a control circuit comprising an analog control portion and a digital control portion and a noise generator configured to generate white noise, wherein the noise generator is configured to supply the generated white noise to the digital control portion of the control circuit and wherein the control circuit is configured to control the switch circuit based on the white noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG
    Inventors: Andrea Congiu, Emanuele Bodano, Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Circuits, methods, and computer programs to detect mechanical stress and to monitor a system
    Patent number: 9383269
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a circuit, a method, and a computer program configured to detect mechanical stress and a circuit, a method, and a computer program configured to monitor safety of a system. The detection circuit is configured to detect mechanical stress of a semiconductor circuit. The detection circuit comprises a stress monitor module configured to monitor mechanical stress of the semiconductor circuit and to provide monitor information related to a mechanical stress level of the semiconductor circuit. The detection circuit further comprises an activation signal generator configured to generate an activation signal comprising activation information related to the mechanical stress level of the semiconductor circuit if the monitor information indicates that a mechanical stress level criterion is fulfilled by the semiconductor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Pulse width modulated (PWM) sensor interface using a terminated symmetrical physical layer
    Patent number: 9374174
    Abstract: A device, such as a transceiver or a sensor, is provided. An interface circuit of the device terminates a signal line with an impedance matching an impedance of the signal line. A controller of the device is configured to transmit or receive data on the signal line through the interface circuit and according to a communication protocol employing pulse width modulation (PWM) for data encoding. A system having two or more devices with impedance matching interface circuits, and a method for communication with a device having an impedance matching interface circuit, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Reliable data transmission with reduced bit error rate
    Patent number: 9361179
    Abstract: A data transmission system includes at least one transmission line. A sender is configured to send data frames to the at least one transmission line and a recipient is configured to receive the data frames from the at least one transmission line. The sender and the recipient are both configured to determine a check sum based on a plurality of corresponding data frames that are sent to and, respectively, received from the at least one transmission line. A check sum comparing unit is configured to receive and to compare the check sum determined by the sender and the corresponding check sum determined by the recipient. The check sum comparing unit is also configured to signal a transmission error or initiate a safety function when the check sums compared are not equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Dirk Hammerschmidt, Timo Dittfeld, Simon Brewerton
  • Sensor self-diagnostics using multiple signal paths
    Patent number: 9346441
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for sensor self-diagnostics using multiple signal paths. In an embodiment, the sensors are magnetic field sensors, and the systems and/or methods are configured to meet or exceed relevant safety or other industry standards, such as SIL standards. For example, a monolithic integrated circuit sensor system implemented on a single semiconductor ship can include a first sensor device having a first signal path for a first sensor signal on a semiconductor chip; and a second sensor device having a second signal path for a second sensor signal on the semiconductor chip, the second signal path distinct from the first signal path, wherein a comparison of the first signal path signal and the second signal path signal provides a sensor system self-test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Rasbornig, Mario Motz, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Ferdinand Gastinger, Bernhard Schaffer, Wolfgang Granig
  • RECEIVER, TRANSMITTER, METHOD FOR DETERMINING A VALUE ENCODED IN A PWM SIGNAL, AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING A VALUE ENCODED IN A PWM SIGNAL
    Publication number: 20160142071
    Abstract: A receiver includes a receiver circuit to receive a pulse width modulated signal, which assumes a first signal level, a second signal level and an intermediate signal level between the first signal level and the second signal level. The receiver further includes a quantization circuit to determine a value encoded in the signal based on an intermediate time period between a first transition and an intermediate transition and based on a main time period between the first transition and a second transition. The first transition comprises the first signal level, wherein the intermediate transition includes the intermediate signal level. The second transition includes the second signal level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • RECEIVER, SENDER, METHOD FOR RETRIEVING AN ADDITIONAL DATUM FROM A SIGNAL AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING A DATUM AND AN ADDITIONAL DATUM IN A SIGNAL
    Publication number: 20160142080
    Abstract: A receiver includes a receiver circuit to receive a first transition in a first direction, a second transition in a second direction after the first transition and a third transition in the first transition after the second transition of a signal, in which a first time period between the first and third transitions is at least partially indicating a datum to be received. The receiver circuit is configured to determine a second time period between the first transition and a second transition and to determine an additional datum to be received based at least on the determined second time period between the first and second transitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Interrupt protection circuits, systems and methods for sensors and other devices
    Patent number: 9343959
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to circuits, systems and methods for providing interruption protection for sensors and other devices. One example embodiment includes an interruption protection circuit comprising at least one charge pump and at least one buffer capacitor configured to maintain and/or provide sufficient voltage for output signals of sensors or other devices during micro-breaks or other interruptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • RECEIVER AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING A SIGNAL
    Publication number: 20160119006
    Abstract: A receiver includes a receiver circuit to receive a pulse width encoded signal and a sampling circuit to determine a position of a transition of the pulse of the signal by oversampling the received signal with respect to a quantization function and to generate a signal indicating an unexpected event, when the determined position of the transition deviates from an expected position according to the quantization function by more than a predetermined range, wherein the quantization function maps a plurality of expected positions to a plurality of values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Dirk HAMMERSCHMIDT, Wolfgang SCHERR
  • System and Method for a Power Supply
    Publication number: 20160091905
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of controlling a power supply node includes measuring a voltage of the power supply node, determining a first current based on the measuring, determining a first current and a second current based on the measuring, and summing the first current and the second current at the power supply node. Determining the first current includes operating a first controller having a first bandwidth, and determining the second current includes operating a second controller having a second bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • SENSOR DEVICE AND SENSOR ARRANGEMENT
    Publication number: 20160087672
    Abstract: An integrated sensor device (130) according to an embodiment includes a sensing element (140) and a communication interface (150) to communicate with an external control device (110). The communication interface (150) includes a receiver circuit (160) to receive, from the external device, a signal indicating a request to change a transmission mode, and a transmitter circuit (170) to change the transmission mode based on the received signal. By using an embodiment, it may be possible to improve a trade-off between a robustness of a system comprising a sensor even under adverse operational conditions, simplifying such an implementation or architecture, its energy consumption and a bandwidth of its infrastructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt